National Walking Day is every year on the first Wednesday in April and takes place on April 5 this year. National Walking Day is exactly as it sounds — a day to celebrate the easiest way to be the healthiest version of you. Walking for thirty to sixty minutes per day may sound like it isn’t much, but studies have shown that it can drastically improve your health and even help prevent ailments such as type II diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Walking doesn't have to be a chore either. You can invite someone to join you, call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, or put your headphones in and enjoy your favorite podcast or playlist. In no time at all, you'll see you've already walked for the recommended 30 minutes, or even longer! It is also a great way to get to know your neighborhood better, or, if you prefer to walk in nature, it's 30 minutes you get to yourself to relax and disconnect from the stress of daily life. Above all, walking is one of the exercises that have more overall benefits for your health.
This is the perfect day to start a walking routine. Like with every form of exercise, the hardest part is starting. But if you make an effort to walk every day, you'll see you'll enjoy it and even crave it, and as a bonus, you'll improve your mood and health.
National Walking Day encourages Americans of all ages to get out and stretch their legs and get their hearts pumping. The American Heart Association sponsors this day to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk. Wear your sneakers (or take them with you) and at some point in the day, take a 30-minute walk.
Make that 30-minutes more enjoyable:
Wear comfortable clothes.
Take a friend to pass the time.
Make sure to stretch those muscles.
Drink plenty of water.
Move your arms, too.
Make sure you have good posture.
Walking is good for your health:
It reduces stress and improves your sleep. Walking is a great way to clear your head, and it is proven that exercise drastically improves people's mental health. Studies have also shown that people who walk regularly are less likely to have insomnia, and tend to sleep better than those who don't.
It increases bone strength. Walking can increase bone mass, and therefore is very beneficial for those who are prone to arthritis. People who walk often are also less likely to suffer fractures.
It improves circulation. Perhaps one of the best impacts that walking has on our health. Walking improves circulation and gets the blood flowing. This means that it reduces blood pressure and the risk of suffering a stroke.
It helps with weight loss. Walking is a form of exercise, therefore it burns calories, which is a great help for those trying to lose weight.
Ideas to help you start walking more regularly:
Park further away than you would usually. Whether you're going shopping, eating out, or just going to work, parking a bit further away from your destination is a great way to get your steps in. You can also do it if you use public transportation. Just get off one or two stops earlier than your usual stop.
Instead of catching up with your friends over a coffee or a drink, invite them to join you for a stroll in the park.
This is a hard one, but try to skip the elevator for the stairs.
If you live close to the center of your town, leave the car at home and do your errands on foot.
Encourage your family to start walking as well by taking a family stroll after dinner instead of sitting in front of the TV.
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